How Often Should You See Your Ophthalmologist?

It is suggested to have regular consultations with various health providers, such as your dentist, primary care physician, or orthopedist. When it comes to your eyes, though, you might not recognize how often you should visit an eye doctor. Whereas many persons who need contacts or glasses visit an eye doctor once every year, others may not want to see a specialist eye doctor like an ophthalmologist more often. At Wolchok Eye Associates, PA in Jacksonville, FA, retired ophthalmologist Dr. Eugene Wolchok and his son, Dr. Stephen Wolchok, take pride in providing optimal ophthalmology care to patients of all ages. So, how often and what factors determine the frequency with which you should visit an ophthalmologist? Check out this post to learn more.

Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist

If you go to the eye doctor once per year for a visual acuity test and ensure your prescription is updated, you will likely see an optometrist. An optometrist is a specialized doctor who does not practice medicine; they are primarily concerned with your vision.

However, an ophthalmologist is a medically trained eye care professional. These doctors specialize in eye disorders and procedures such as LASIK. Some ophthalmologists also focus on Oculoplastics or surgical cosmetic treatments involving the eyes.

Young adults who have no additional health problems than a simple refractive defect should only see an optometrist. However, adults over 65 years and those with pre-existing medical disorders could profit from frequent ophthalmologist visits.

What Factors Determine The Frequency Of Your Ophthalmologist Visits?

Your ophthalmologist visits are primarily determined by your pre-existing conditions, age, and individual risk. Adults 40 years should visit an optometrist not less than once every 2-3 years, if not more frequently. However, if they need contacts or glasses, they must undergo yearly exams.

Adults aged 40 and above are more likely to develop age-related disorders such as glaucoma and cataracts. Nonetheless, if you are otherwise in good health, you might not need to see an ophthalmologist as often. Though they cannot make a formal diagnosis, optometrists can look for indicators of eye illness. If they observe a problem, they will recommend you to an ophthalmologist.

On the other hand, if you are more susceptible to eye disease owing to your age or a health-related condition like diabetes, you should see an ophthalmologist frequently, regardless of whether you have a pre-existing eye disease. Ophthalmologists generally employ highly-advanced equipment to detect eye disorders early on. Besides, it is also easier to seek treatment if you have a regular ophthalmologist because you will not require a referral to another practice if you are diagnosed with an eye condition.

What About If You Need Elective Procedures Or Have An Emergency?

You can still visit an ophthalmologist if you do not have an eye disease or are not vulnerable to one. For instance, if you have a health emergency, such as a traumatic eye injury or a retinal detachment, the hospital’s emergency room will probably refer you to one.

An ophthalmologist can also help you with vision correction or aesthetic procedures. In that situation, you might need to see your ophthalmologist frequently after your procedure for follow-up care.

Do you think it is time to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist? Then, look no further than Wolchok Eye Associates. At the practice, Dr. Eugene and Dr. Stephen Wolchok offer top-notch care for virtually all eye problems, ranging from cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eyes, floaters, red eyes, etc. Make an appointment today by calling the Jacksonville, FL office or book online to discuss your condition and explore your care options.